The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) has condemned the acute shortage of life jackets as one of the most pressing challenges facing the inland waterways transport industry.

The association stated this during a courtesy visit to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Abuja Area/Liaison Office.

Speaking on behalf of the operators, the National President, ATBOWATON, Dr Gani Tarzan Balogun, appealed to NIWA to prioritise the provision of more safety equipment, stressing that adequate life jackets are critical to protecting both passengers and crew.

The ATBOWATON President further noted that improving the navigability of the country’s inland waterways would significantly ease pressure on the roads.

According to him, a functional waterway transport system offers commuters and cargo operators a safer and more efficient alternative to road travel.

Balogun commended NIWA for its consistent support to operators nationwide, while particularly acknowledging the Authority’s deliberate focus on the safety of Nigeria’s waterways, with notable impact in the Southwest region.

In his response, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Umar Girei, thanked the association for the visit and assured members that the authority had already commenced work on many of the concerns raised.

He noted that interventions were underway well before the delegation’s visit.

Also speaking, the Area Manager, NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Aisha Eri, described the visit as a welcome development.

Eri urged members of ATBOWATON to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressing confidence that their expertise would help strengthen water transportation in the country.